8th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment

The 8th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment was an infantry regiment of the US Army that was active from 23 April 1861 to 23 April 1863. The regiment was first commanded by Brigadier-General Louis Blenker, and it was nicknamed the "First German Rifles" or "Blenker's Rifles". The regiment suffered 103 fatalities during the war, and it was mustered out of service in April 1863, with those who chose to re-enlist joining the 68th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment.